My journeys, discoveries and fascinations

Nowedays there are 380 Carthusians monks and nuns in the world living in 22 houses: 17 are for men and 5 for women. Most of them are located in France (5) and Spain (4), but there are also 2 of them in South Korea (this is a “new generation” of monks). In Slovenia there is just one inhebited cloister in Pleterje near Nove Mesto. I checked in internet – it’s really worth visiting!

Cartusians are one of the most severe religious rules, followed strictly for the last 1000 years. Monks spend most of their lives in separate cells praying, contemplaiting, learning and – in old days – re-writing books by hand. They are the most educated friars. Library in Žice contained once around 2000 books (equal to the Vatican library of that times).

Carthusians monks eat only two times per day, nutritious meals but without meat; they fast each Friday. Some of them live long years (learn a good recipe for longevity 😉 They walk outside cloister’s walls only once in two weeks and in case of urgency (e.g. to see the doctor). They meet with family only once a year. They don’t use mobile phones, TV or internet for private purpose.

Carthusians’ motto says: ” Cross lasts while the world changes”. I walk across the monastery in Žice and wonder if I could spend my entire life closed like thees monks. Would that drow me really closer to God? Is such sacrifice only for sake of sacrifice indeed so valuable? Or maybe I have never fully understood the essence of God…